autumn

Fall is certainly one of my favorite times of year. First because the temperatures drop allowing me to grab my favorite blanket to snuggle up in. And second, the colors that decorate our landscapes are absolutely breathtaking.

It’s well into autumn here in Colorado as the crunch of leaves beneath my feet are a tell-tale sign. Walks with the dog have allowed even my furry friend to sniff around in the piles of leaves that blanket our lawns. While we still have some time to go until our full autumn season comes to the Front Range, the mountains are in their full splendor.

With friends who had meet us at the trail head, we took off on the Raccoon Trail, which is a 2.5 mile loop that starts with a spectacular view at Panorama Point of the Continental Divide before you begin down the tree-lined trail. Thus begins the fun with the pup.

For anyone who knows our dog, Dirk, you know how much of a force he can be. Put him in a harness and give him a trail in his eyesight, and he’s all business. And why not? He has trails to hike and places to explore. However, being on the other end of that leash is always an adventure that you’re never quite sure where it will take you. I wonder if there is a pedometer for dogs? I’d love to know how many steps that dog takes over and above us!

The trail is quite easy, except for the end where it seems to be a constant series of steps upward. But nothing that a dog in front of you can’t help with!

With my own rake in hand, I listened to the squeals of the neighbor kids across the street having fun in a giant pile of leaves today. Raking the colorful confetti that decorated their front yard, they made a huge pile large enough to jump in. Giggles and laughter filled the air and I couldn’t help but smile.

Throughout the jumping they decided on a perfect game – “let’s pile the leaves on top of one of us and scare mom and dad!” I couldn’t help but chuckle remembering that exact game I played as a kid. I sat down in my own pile of leaves and watched as the big sister piled the leaves high on top of her brother, often telling him to “stay still.” With the leaves piled high, the girl ran to her mom and beckoned her to come see what they had made. When mom appeared at the pile, out jumped the little one with a ferocious “boo!” The kids laughed and mom couldn’t help but smile too.

The tree in our front yard has almost dropped all of its leaves, signaling yet another change in the seasons. Soon our colorful landscape will all drop, creating more piles of excitement to play in. I don’t think you’re every too old to play in a pile of leaves.